The brand-new fishing vessel Elias Johan has arrived in Ålesund, Norway, and is now preparing to sail north to take its NVG-herring quota of 1,600 tonnes.
The 50-foot boat is owned by Kristian Benonisen and is registered in Moskenes. It travelled from Denmark after being delivered in November, one year later than planned, due to a shipyard bankruptcy.
A Delayed Build, but a Unique Vessel
The Polish yard collapse meant Danish builder Vestværftet had to take over the job. The firm says it has never built a vessel this large or advanced before.
The boat is 12 metres wide and fitted for both seine and purse-seine operations. It holds a factory, freezer, and RSW tanks, making it highly flexible in the Norwegian coastal fleet.
Focus on Better Quota Use
Benonisen Fiskeri links the new vessel to the green shift. In its annual report, the firm notes that future operations depend on fish prices and quota sizes.
More stories about fishing vessels
Prices were strong in 2024, but the company highlights uncertainty around structure quotas and quota ceilings. The firm is looking at ways to improve quota use if quotas fall.
Major Battery Package Backed by Public Grant
The vessel is a hybrid with both diesel and battery propulsion. A public grant of NOK 25 million (approx. €2.1 million) supported the battery system.
With this included, the final cost of the boat is NOK 265 million (approx. €22.5 million). The Yanmar main engine delivers 1,920 kW, and a 1,500 kW shaft generator is also installed.
More stories about Norwegian fisheries
The boat carries 13 crew and has cooling, ice, and RSW systems for fast handling. It is also set up for the unloading of frozen products.